Homeowners across the UK are facing significant challenges in retrofitting their properties to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Around 29 million British homes require retrofitting by 2050, according to the UK Green Building Council, but many homeowners struggle to understand how to proceed.
Simon Duffy, a sustainability think-tank director from Sheffield, exemplifies this dilemma. He spends £3,100 annually on heating and electricity and wants to improve his home’s energy efficiency but is unsure about the best approach to insulation and solar panel installation.
Retrofitting typically involves measures like improving insulation, upgrading heating systems, and installing energy-generating devices such as solar panels. These improvements can be costly upfront but potentially reduce long-term energy bills and carbon emissions. Residential buildings currently account for roughly one-fifth of the UK’s total emissions.
Amy Peace and her husband, both sustainability professionals, experienced similar challenges when attempting to retrofit their 1930s home. Despite their technical background, they found it difficult to determine the most effective way to invest in energy improvements. After three years of research, they successfully installed improved insulation, a heat pump, and an electric car charging point, with solar panels and a battery planned.
Several organizations are emerging to help homeowners navigate the retrofit process:
1. Ecofurb offers free initial consultations and personalized retrofit plans starting at £470, with the option to oversee contractor work.
2. The Get a Heat Pump website provides information about heat pump technologies and home renovation strategies.
3. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a new retrofit standard and will soon provide a tool to help homeowners find suitable local surveyors.
Experts like Gerald Charles from the Centre for Sustainable Energy emphasize that improving home energy efficiency is essential for decarbonization. However, he notes that the industry often fails to appreciate the importance of quality retrofit advice.
Entrepreneurs like James Major are also addressing knowledge gaps. His company, HubbPro, offers architects detailed reports estimating carbon reduction potential and payback periods for retrofit measures.
Simon Duffy suggests an alternative approach: neighborhood-scale retrofit schemes that could implement energy-efficient solutions for entire streets simultaneously, potentially making the process more accessible and cost-effective.
The retrofit challenge highlights the complexity of transitioning to more sustainable housing. While individual homeowners are eager to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs, they often lack clear guidance on the most effective and affordable strategies.
As climate concerns grow and energy prices remain high, the demand for comprehensive, practical retrofit advice is likely to increase. Continued development of support services and standardized guidance will be crucial in helping homeowners successfully navigate their energy efficiency improvements.
